Have you ever been in Koreatown or K-town in Los Angeles? If you ever get confused while driving in LA, and you come across the below signs, you may be in K-town.
Streets named after Ivy League Universities- I don’t know what it is about us Korean folk and the love of the Ivies, whether they be Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, but there is definitely an obsession. This is obviously the perfect reason why there needs to be a street named after an Ivy League University especially for those of us that didn’t get into one. AHEM. Double Language Signs- No, you’re still in LA. I promise you. I talk about how Korean names don’t sound good in English in my stand up. Here is Exhibit A.
Driving Ranges in the Middle of the City- Korean Moms/Dads love golf, especially wearing expensive golf gear to go to the local driving range or golf course.
There is a Korean BBQ joint or Karaoke Bar/Club on almost every corner- Korean people love to BBQ. We love fire-grilling beef, chicken, or pork and wrapping it in crisp lettuce, dipping it in red pepper sauce and devouring every delicious bite. When I stopped being vegan, this was one of the first things I did: Go to Korean BBQ. But remember that you will reek of meat when leaving the restaurant.
Places open 24 Hours. This is the norm in NYC, but not so much here in LA. Except in K-Town. Or Swingers on Beverly. It’s a weird, but comforting thought that IF you really want to…you could get a bowl of spicy tofu soup at 4:36 AM. Don’t you agree?
Wow. Far East Movement’s track, “Like a G6″ is No. 2 on the Hot Billboard 100 charts right now. Crazy, considering that I grew up never seeing anyone that looked like me on MTV or any other music channels. Usually, if I wanted to see Asian musical acts, I had to watch painful K-pop where they would mix Korean and English hip-hop sounds. If you’re a melody gal like myself, you’d find a gem ballad here and there, but nothing like the tracks from the U.S. music market.
“Like a G6″ I like to listen to this track when I’m running or biking. Woo hoo!
Check out their latest track, “Rocketeer,” with Ryan Tedder. ooh…I like it. It has a Lupe Fiasco vibe…
I’ve had a really stressful couple of days in many ways. For me, I usually deal by burying myself in work and also listening to as much girl pop music as I can. Think back to Britney, Madonna, Nelly Furtado, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Destiny’s Child, and right now this track, “Strip Me,” from Natasha Bedingfield.
Her song, “These Words,” were on my playlist when I decided that I’d had enough of New York City and bought a plane ticket out West with the very last of my savings. The impulsive, crazy side of me usually wins when it comes to huge life decisions. Is that bad? Yup. Am I glad that I moved to LA? Hell yes.
I remember the cab ride to JFK Airport, having 2 bags next to me, crouched next to my best friend, Annie, with whom I had worked at the same nightclub at Manhattan’s Meatpacking district, for over a year. Here was our conversation: ANNIE: Are you really going to move to LA, Kat? You’re crazy.
KAT: Annie, I think I should take the subway to JFK. I’ll save $12.50.
ANNIE: YOU ARE PSYCHO! I”m not letting you take 3 huge bags on the train with you to LA. You’re going to get mugged and you can barely carry one bag.
KAT: Oh my God, Annie. I can’t believe I’m doing this.
ANNIE: I believe in you. Kat. Don’t become a crazy LA girl, get a fake tan, dye your hair blonde, and get a boob job. Or I’ll have to come out there and kick your ass.
And we pinky promised. So far. No silicone in my boobs.
I hate racism. I hate prejudice. I hate discrimination. I saw a lot of it against my parents at their store on Germantown Ave in West Philly. I saw a lot of it against my brother and I when we were at school or on the school bus. I even experienced discrimination at the local mall, and from my high school swim coach. She would say the most awful things in snide ways to me. I never told anyone because…well, I figured, “No would would care. And no one wants to hear it” In high school, my friend and I went to the King of Prussia Mall to apply for jobs at Abercrombie and Fitch. We were incredibly excited to possibly start working at this super cool new store which featured peaches and cream models with abs of steel. And then the store manager offered my Caucasian friend a job application and didn’t give one to me. I remember thinking, “Wait, what just happened? This isn’t the 1950′s. Aren’t we all equal here? I’m American too.”
So, when I went to a West Hollywood Starbucks this past weekend, I was really shocked when one of their employees mocked me by bowing down to me and saying something inaudible. (I’m guessing he was doing a fake Asian accent) I mean, seriously! This is 2010, not 1950. I was really taken aback because it wasn’t like a joke or anything, and this kid thought that he could just insult me and not be reprimanded. I’ve made jokes about racism that I’ve experienced in my stand up, but the truth is that this incident pisses me off as much as the Rosie O’Donnell Ching chong incident. (See video below)
And unfortunately, the Asian way is to be silent and just to ignore things. Why is that? I don’t know. All I know is that I’m born and raised in America and grew up knowing that you HAVE TO SPEAK UP WHEN YOU ARE WRONGED. So I am speaking up. I contacted the store manager, the Corporate office, the NAACP, and basically everyone I need to in order for this employee to be disciplined in the proper way. I don’t want anything out of this whole sad incident except people understanding that it isn’t right to make racist/discriminatory remarks or gestures.
My friends have all told me to let go of the “Abercrombie and Fitch” incident, but it’s hard to forget that. I really regret not doing anything then. I should have spoken up. Yeah, I was just a kid, but still. Anyway, I’m waiting to hear what the Corporate office will do about this disappointing incident.
I came across the funny, irreverent show “The Clinic” on Hulu and thought it was a humorous look at the world of ganja lovers everywhere. It is described as “The Office” meets “Weeds,” and was written/directed by Danny Lee, a born and bred Los Angeleno who has directed “Rock Fresh,” and “King of Hollywood. I had a chance to talk with Danny about pursuing your goals and why you should always DIY. Fo’ sho. Check it out.
Danny, your show is described as “The Office” meets “Weeds.” Sort of an amazing logline. What made you go the webisode route?
We initially had (and still do) have television plans for the show. As you may know, it’s not the big 5 or even Wall Street that runs Hollywood – it’s Madison Avenue. So a show centralized around pot culture (or so they think it is), is a touchy subject for advertisers. We had a few high level pitches, and one Senior Veep of let’s say the perfect network for this show got behind it, then got laid off, which left our show orphaned. Then we took a few more pitches and while everybody seemed to love the show, they simply couldn’t take a chance on the subject matter. So I took a meeting at Hulu and a few months later we went live. Next to TV, it’s the next best thing.
Agreed. I’m on Hulu 24/7. So, tell us how you decided to become a writer/director. Why did you go the artist route rather than become a doctor/lawyer?
I studied film in school. Upon graduating threw myself right into the Entertainment workforce. While working at Lionsgate, I got my hands on a great prosumer camera at the time, the venerable Canon XL-1, and started shooting my first documentary feature ROCK FRESH (www.rockfreshfilm.com). Then 2 years of painfully melting away in a cubicle passed, and it was time for me to make the leap of faith. I literally did, jumped on a plane to Taipei for a random 2 week trip, came back home refreshed and ready to roll. Ate ramen for a year, (not even shin ramyun!), and toughed it out. Magically at the end of the journey, had a little film that got into the AFI Fest where Showtime picked it up, and the rest is history. The film is still on TV, playing currently on Ovation and had a wide home video release. It was that little first step that gave me my calling card and showed the world I can make something that not only people could appreciate, but more importantly was commercially viable. As far as being a doctor/lawyer, not even in my blood. Coincidentally, my father was a very successful business attorney in K-town, but he nor my mom never pushed that on me. They were chill Korean parents.
Do you regret not attending Korean school on Saturdays?
FUCK YES.
Ugh. You didn’t miss much. So, you’re a Los Angeleno, and you grew up in/around Hollywood..how do you think that affected your storytelling process?
Doesn’t affect my storytelling as much as it affects me wanting to punch some of these people that move here, bring their arrogance and narrow world views, and then complain about the city I love and grew up in! I’m not joking, it can be really frustrating! That all happens right before their 6 month lease is up and realize their own home suited them better.
What advice would you have for anyone out there with a creative dream/goal? How do you stick to it when it gets tough?
Find a really good, unique idea. Hone in and do it your damn self. Hollywood respects the DIY ethic almost as much, if not more, than one’s talent. Because honestly there are thousands of talented people out there, but how many have the determination and resilience to push through – maybe 1%. It’s that 1% that have success.
True dat. Top 5 tracks on your iPod?
Gang Starr – Code of the Streets
Casual – I Didn’t Mean To
Mayer Hawthorne – Maybe So, Maybe No
Pilooski/Jackson James – I Feel Good, Put Your Pants On
Anything by Prince Paul
TGIF! And as I sit here doing work and feeling sick from too much vino, I wanted to post some pics from last night’s karaoke outing with Jessica, Andrew, and other folks from MySpace Karaoke/Music. As well as my amazing comedy friends..a special shout out to Jann Hoffman, who is quite possibly the coolest person on this earth as she broke it down when Snoop Dogg came on. Literally, the entire bar was cheering for her…she’s awesome. Anyway, here’s the latest Old Skool Hip Hop Playlist from the MS Karaoke blog, and without further ado…
If you’re a fan of NBC’s ‘Chuck,‘ you’ve probably seen Mekenna Melvin who plays the fiesty Alex McHugh or Adam Baldwin’s on-screen daughter. I had a quick chat with this up-and-coming actress about life, acting, and her words of advice to anyone who is following their dream.
So Mekenna, great to speak with you. So, tell us..where are you from?
I’m from San Jose, where everything is more about dot coms than Hollywood. The Googles and Yahoos of the world were popping up in my area and that whole thing definitely impacted my upbringing.
The tech world? But you were the artist girl growing up, right?
Definitely, I was in theater and sports. I was the extracurricular activities girl.
Nice. So, you’ve spent time studying drama in NYC and England..pretty impressive. Would you say that you’ve learned the most about acting while in class or on set?
Great question. Well, it’s a bit of both. When I was in NYC and England, it was theater based and what I loved about that is that theater and film are in the same family. A theater is like a roller coaster where you go up, down, and it’s a process. In film, it’s all broken up and the nothing is in order. You can shoot one scene at the end of the script and then have to shoot another one that is right in the middle of the script. Luckily, I had a strong background with my theater training in creating a character and backstory. Also, a long time ago, when I did extra work, I just got to know the terminology and how things worked on set.
Very cool. So, what do you think? NYC or LA?
So hard to say. I am in love with NYC. I have huge love for that city and I hope to be able to go back there. You know what I mean? You walk outside, and you immediately get inspiration plus that city has such good food and music. But recently, I’ve really embraced LA because my family’s close, I have a good group of friends, and things are happening with my career. I do consider LA my home, but New York City, there’s no place like it.
You seem super down-to-earth. How have you managed to stay grounded in Hollywood?
I was never really cool. I’m just someone with a cool job. I don’t like clubs or big crowds. I’d rather be in a local bar with my friend’s band playing, you know? Hollywood does have a sense of, you know, people who blow things out of proportion. You have to take things at face value and be true to who you are. If you do that, you’ll be fine.
So very true. Tell us about working on Fox’s “Lie to Me.”
Well, that was awesome. It was my first real big job in LA plus I got to work with a legend, I mean, Tim Roth. I was like OMG..I can’t believe this is happening. I guess…I’d never been on a big set, so I would listen in on things and faked my way through. But I do have to say that Tim Roth as an actor is amazing. He was so generous and I learned so much on that job.
Very cool. So, give us the dish about playing Alex McHugh on NBC’s ‘Chuck,’ Do you think you’re similar to your character? What do we have to look forward to this season on ‘Chuck?’
There are a lot of similarities, but I think the major difference between us is that Alex was raised without a father, but me and my father are really close. He’s so important in my life. I thought about that a lot and not to have his presence, it would obviously have affected me.
It’s been fun to really embrace this relationship [with Adam Baldwin's character] and being a daughter to him. His character doesn’t know how to really play a role in her life. That relationship is really fun because there are so many different opportunities. I’m excited to see where their relationship goes this season.
Can’t wait to see that dynamic. So, what do you think it was about the world of acting and Hollywood that drew you in?
Well, my mom is a drama teacher at a public school so I grew up in her theater. It was theater and acting which I loved…not Hollywood as much. I really felt confident growing up in the theater because there were a lot of things that I didn’t have control over. The only thing that was solid was acting for me, and consistently getting better. I thought, ‘This is what I want to do, I want this to be in my life.” Coming from an area where it was all about tech and dot coms, all my friends were going to the right colleges. But I was like, “Oh my gosh, I should go this way..or will I follow my passion?” So I chose to go to an acting conservatory and of course I had the support of my parents. I was like, it will be okay.
Dream collaborators that you’d like to work with?
So many! I grew up idolizing Julianne Moore, the Meryl Streeps of the world, De Niro, my list could go on and on..so many people that I would love to work with.
You’re into Twitter so you’re not afraid of social media. What do you think of celebs who are a bit TMI with their tweets? Do you just like to interact directly with your fans on Twitter?
I just had this conversation with a friend of mine who is helping me revamp my website. I completely understand the need for people who are more advanced in their careers to want privacy. I mean, there’s so much stuff being thrown out on the internet. How do you navigate through that? At the same time, we’re a different generation and you have to embrace the fact that we’re an online culture. I’d just say to be smart about putting what you want out there. I actually love connecting with the fans, but I think we all individually have to find out appropriate answer.
That’s very diplomatic of you. Okay, so what about the girly stuff. What are you favorite beauty products that you can’t live without?
I was on Accutane growing up and I was a bit of a mess. I’m really excited about Jan Marini skin products…they are amazing.
Health/Workout tips?
Um..I’m not over, super crazy, but I work out on a regular basis. I have to change it up..or I get bored. One day I’ll run, hiking, cardio. I think the most important thing is to drink lots of water.
Last meal on earth?
I don’t normally eat like this, but for the last meal on earth probably chili cheese fries or pepperoni pizza. So good.
Agreed. Top 5 tracks in your iPod right now
My iPod just got stolen. But you know, in general, I love the classic stuff like Janis Joplin or the Beatles. Oh, and my friend, Jessie Cole. So amazing.
Classic is good. And what is your advice out there to anyone reading this interview about pursuing dreams/goals?
I think that fear is what stops you and if you buy into it, it’ll stop you from doing anything. Life is short, work really hard, and you’ll be surprised at which doors it could open.
So.. I recently realized that one of my strange obsessions, karaoke, has played an integral role in me working with MySpace Karaoke. Usually when I mention this obsession to people at parties or getting coffee, they look at me and go,
“Oh, well, you’re Asian.”
TRUE. But I also love music. Huge fan of all genres, especially hip hop and R&B. I’m excited to interact with all the MySpace Karaoke users and of course, finding new talent online. Check out my first post on the official site for ‘Top 6 Karaoke Tips.”
Last night I ended up going to Beso for a BBM event and met Ashley of the cute fashion blog, Pursuit of Shoes, and um… we ended up meeting Mark Saling or “Puck” of my current favorite show, “Glee.” He was super down-to-earth, and was sporting that mohawk that LA guys seem to sport.
Here was the scene: INT. BAR/RESTAURANT-NIGHT
Super crowded lounge filled with uber trendy people. Ashley and I spot Mark and immediately talk about our love of the show. ME: OMG. Your rendition of Jigga’s “Empire State of Mind? was one of my favorite parts of the premiere. MARK: Cool.
God, I’m cheesy. Whoops.
My name is Kat Ahn, and I started this blog to maintain my creative sanity while working at a tech start-up. I'm an Actress/Comedienne/Writer, and have performed stand up at the Comedy Store on Sunset in Hollywood, The Hollywood Improv Lab, The Ice House in Pasadena, Comedy Union, and Flappers in Burbank. My material is drawn from having a weird upbringing and working lots of crappy jobs. Who knows where I'll end up? One thing is for sure, though...I will definitely blog about it. Fo sho.
EVENTS
FOLLOW ME!
TWITTER
Want to read a ridiculously funny book about broken love told through IM? you will love it by author @dillonvanoort http://t.co/qnV0Gx8A
Thanks to @abc7tina for stopping by @Boosphillysteak we can't wait to see when the segment airs http://t.co/HP7gwfUx
About to shoot the #eyeinla segment for abc...,my dads so excited
Love stories like this. Janitor graduates from Columbia University http://t.co/2dJz0Nhn
So far. No silicone in my boobs. 
